What is the impact of educational provision, programmes or interventions for the outcomes of refugee children?

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child gives children the right to education, but it is unknown what educational provision unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) receive and what the outcomes are from this provision. In the most recent figures, the number of UASC in England have risen 54% compared to the previous year (to 4,210), and many schools, virtual schools, social workers, and policymakers would like to know how this population is currently being served and how to better serve them.

What will the study do?

This is a scoping study to look at what education provision UASC in England are currently accessing. An interview should take around 45 to 60 minutes. We are also systematically reviewing the research to see what education provision for UASC is associated with improved outcomes. We will present our preliminary findings in a presentation in Oxford and in a plain-language summary of findings. The research has received ethical clearance from the University of Oxford for research involving human participants, and there are no known risks involved in participating in this research. All information collected will be anonymised and reporting will protect the identity of individuals, unless you specifically indicate that you would like to be identified for a quote or practice. Information will be stored on secure servers and only transferred using secure encryption. It will be kept for as long as it has academic value.

How will the study be used?

The study will provide important information on the education of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Findings will be summarized in presentations and written up in papers to be put online. The research may suggest an intervention to be rigorously evaluated in a next phase of research. Practitioners and policy makers will also be given the findings so that decisions on future services can be better informed.

How can you find out more about this study?

The research is being undertaken by researchers (Dr. Ellie Ott and Aoife O’Higgins) in the Rees Centre for Research in Fostering and Education and Education Department, University of Oxford. If you would like more information, you can contact Dr Ellie Ott by writing to her at the Rees Centre for Research in Fostering and Education, University of Oxford Department of Education, 15 Norham Gardens, Oxford OX2 6PY, via phone at 018652 84062, or via email at ellie.ott@education.ox.ac.uk.